Another technique is to draw a sketch on paper, scan the drawing, then enter the scanned image
as a template for tracing. This applies to any image saved on the computer. Images entered in
Blender may be either a Background Image or a Reference Image. Background Images
Render as part of the Scene being created, Reference Images do not Render and, therefore, are
suitable as templates for tracing. Images can be entered in the Grease Pencil in two ways; Drag
and Drop or by using the Add Image Selection Method.
8.2 Drag and Drop Method
To select an Image and drag it into the Grease Pencil, have the image displayed in an image
viewing program and the Grease Pencil 2D Viewport Editor opened simultaneously. If you only
have a single monitor, using Windows, have Blender opened in 2D Animation Mode then open
the program where you display images without closing Blender. RMB click in the Task Bar and
select Show Windows Side by Side. Click on your image, hold and drag the cursor into the 2D
Viewport.
Click, Hold and Drag the File
Figure 8.3
Image Viewing Program
Blender Grease Pencil
The drag and drop method enters the image as a Reference Image (does not render) and fills
the entire 2D Viewport Editor, Camera Perspective View. In the example the image is distorted
horizontally. There is no means of scaling or rotating.
It is recommended that you use the Add Image Method following since, with the drag and drop
method the image cannot be removed after tracing.
8.3 Add Image Method
Upper left hand corner of the 2D Viewport Editor in Object Mode (Figure 8.4)
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